For anyone who hasn't heard of Jake McGill Lynch, age 14, who died following a prescription for Fluoxetine (Prozac), here's his mom Stephanie being interviewed on RTE Radio. The journalist, Della Kiroy, also interviewed David Healy who speaks towards the end of the programme. Stephanie's harrowing account of Jake's life and death is a warning to all… Continue reading Jake’s Mammy on DriveTime
Victor Kirk – Coincidental SSRI Prescription?
Some cases, like this one, are so clearly antidepressant-induced that it seems bizarre that a coroner or medic couldn’t (or wouldn’t) recognise it. That suicidality is a side-effect of antidepressants is now well established, particularly upon starting, changing dose (up or down) or discontinuation. While the suicide-warnings are provided for under 25s, it… Continue reading Victor Kirk – Coincidental SSRI Prescription?
The Destigmatization of Stigma ..
Stigma: a mark of disgrace associated with a particular circumstance, quality, or person - "the stigma of mental disorder". Comedian Al Porter was on Irish TV this week, speaking of his depression, the one brought about by his chemicals that needed re-balancing. He spoke of the stigma attached to depression, then whipped out his pills… Continue reading The Destigmatization of Stigma ..
RCSI Psychiatry and The Serotonin Myth
Yesterday the Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland (RCSI) launched an eBook entitled 'journey through the brain' - to explore 'the science of the brain and its connection to human emotion, mental health and well-being'. Created by researchers from the Dept of Psychiatry, the book was designed to help young people and teachers 'understand the workings… Continue reading RCSI Psychiatry and The Serotonin Myth
Did Mike Geldard Assume That Citalopram Was Safe?
Michael (Mike) Geldard was 66 and struggling with a knee injury, for which he was prescribed various pain medications, including Codeine, a highly addictive drug. His attempts to withdraw from Codeine left him frustrated and anxious - for this he prescribed the antidepressant Citalopram (along with a benzodiazepine). The day after Mike was prescribed Citalopram, he told his doctor… Continue reading Did Mike Geldard Assume That Citalopram Was Safe?
The Pill That Steals Lives
This week myself and Tony abandoned the minors, left them in the care of the (sergeant) majors and took ourselves off to London. With promises of presents and various forms of bribery, they waved us off without a second glance – the deals were struck. With one condition - as long as we were back… Continue reading The Pill That Steals Lives
When Science and Anecdote Collide
For decades, declarations by perturbed relatives that a loved-one’s death was iatrogenic (induced by medical treatment), were often dismissed as anecdotal. Accounts imparted by concerned loved-ones were likely to be rejected, albeit often kindly – yet thrust aside as the demented rantings of a grieving loved-one. Placated with persuasive words, relatives often slink away, suitably… Continue reading When Science and Anecdote Collide
GSK and The Miracle Med – The Happy Horny Skinny Pill
An article in Sunday's Telegraph 'could antidepressants be ruining your sex life?' concerned the use of widely-prescribed SSRIs (Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors) and the associated loss of libido. The article rightly refers to statistics that estimate between 30-70 per cent of SSRI consumers will be affected with some form of sexual dysfunction - despite their much-argued efficacy.… Continue reading GSK and The Miracle Med – The Happy Horny Skinny Pill
Lundbeck Astroturfing
There has been much publicity recently on the alcohol industry and their sponsorship of sporting events. I won't rehash the numerous arguments here but suffice to say, most agree that it's an unethical alliance. An article by Dr John Scally, TCD (and RCSI) lecturer in Ethics and Theology, expressed the view that there are particular ethical… Continue reading Lundbeck Astroturfing
Suffer little children – Irish Psychiatrist v David Healy and The Nordic Cochrane Centre
Jeez - here we go again. Yesterday’s BMJ article that found antidepressants double the risk of suicide and aggression in young people, made headlines worldwide. From America, Australia to india, caution was advised when prescribing in this age bracket. Not so in Ireland. The one newspaper article referring to the BMJ article can be found in… Continue reading Suffer little children – Irish Psychiatrist v David Healy and The Nordic Cochrane Centre
